What is Bambu's recommendation regarding retaining an architect and general contractor?
Bambu Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
copy of any signed Lease must be delivered to us within 15 days after you sign it.
Once a lease is signed, you will need to obtain permits and begin construction of the shoppe as quickly as possible in order to avoid paying rent before your Bambū shoppe is open for business. This will require, in most instances, retaining an architect and general contractor at or before the lease is signed. You must obtain our prior written consent of your architect and general contractor. We will not withhold our approval of the architectural firm or general contractor provided they can demonstrate they have sufficient expertise in commercial retail design work to ensure that the plans, approvals and permits are obtained and overview of the project is accomplished. If we do not approve your designated architect or general contractor, we may require that you engage an architectural firm or general contractor designated by us.
We will assist you in development of a required kitchen workflow design, including the specific equipment specifications required for use in your shoppe.
Source: Item 8 — Restrictions on Sources of Products and Services (FDD pages 22–26)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees will likely need to retain an architect and general contractor at or before signing their lease. This is to ensure that once the lease is signed, the franchisee can quickly obtain permits and begin construction to avoid paying rent before the Bambu shop is open.
Bambu requires prior written consent of the franchisee's architect and general contractor. Bambu will not withhold approval if the architect and general contractor can demonstrate sufficient expertise in commercial retail design work to ensure that the plans, approvals, and permits are obtained and the project is properly overseen. However, if Bambu does not approve the franchisee's designated architect or general contractor, Bambu may require the franchisee to engage an architectural firm or general contractor designated by them.
Bambu may also require franchisees to use the services of a company that will supervise the buildout of their Bambu shop if Bambu determines that the architect or contractor the franchisee intends to use has insufficient knowledge and experience to build a Bambu shop. This requirement ensures that all locations meet Bambu's standards and specifications.